By: Rex Stump
Sometimes we think we have a tough life. Our circumstances are challenging, including poor health, struggling finances, painful relationships, or something worse.
Maybe we didn’t get enough playing time, the grade we wanted, a promotion, or attention from that special person.
It’s been a tough day, week, month… or even year. But then, I read an excerpt from the “Voice of the Martyrs” book “Jesus freaks.
Xu Yonghai looked around his 6 square meter cell. He was a doctor and used to sanitary conditions, which is probably why he felt particularly uncomfortable.
There was no sanitary unit, instead there was a pipe in the corner from which water constantly flowed onto the concrete.
Yonghai learned to clean the cell using this tube. He also ate there; the guards pushed the food in under the door. He used the water running from the pipe both for washing himself and for drinking. For two years, he did not leave this small dirty room!
Yonghai was a Christian in Communist China, and they worked together with Gao Feng to legalize their home church. For this “crime” he spent 2 years in a Beijing prison. Yonghai spent a lot of time praying, meditating, and writing.
He marked the main theses of his book “God the Creator” on the walls of the cell. He wrote with soap, and his analytical mind put together the main theses of his work.
When the writing was finished, he memorized the words. After his release in May 1997, he put his well-thought-out work on paper. The result was a book of 50,000 words”
“The death row inmates were brought to my cell just before the execution,” Yonghai said. “Sometimes there were even three convicts in that small, damp room, waiting for the execution of the judgment.”
What a great opportunity to preach and lead these men into God’s kingdom! Yonghai took this opportunity to preach the gospel to his cellmates in their last days. According to his words, these men were ready to receive the message of Christ.
He continues: “My living conditions were really disgusting, but God helped me get used to them. God was with me even in the most difficult moments and helped me endure imprisonment.”
So, after reading this…I don’t want you to compare how bad you have it, or don’t have it. I just want you to remember you are not alone in your challenging times. God is here to help you, even when you feel like He is not there. He is.
“You are my servant; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:9,10)
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Rex Stump is the Area Director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and serves as a Pastor at True North Church in Wauseon, Ohio.